I don’t know about you, but for me, slow and weak internet signals are a huge bummer!
I’m not someone who can just sit in one place and watch stuff; I want to move around. Maybe I want to chill in bed, maybe even in the bathroom (don’t gasp, we all do that), and weak signals make that difficult.
On the bright side, though, I’ve been able to make both these things a bit better after some simple experimentation. If you’re currently facing the age-old issue of slow Wi-Fi speed and coverage, maybe these tips can help you, too.
Let’s explore!
Place your Router Wisely
Even if you have one of the best internet plans in USA, the wrong router placement can mess it up. We often place our routers in the middle of a ton of barriers, making it look like a baby in the middle of Times Square.
The problem is that these barriers can significantly hinder your router’s signals and, therefore, speed.
To avoid that, what I did was first identify the devices that need the internet more. I then used my phone to identify when and where signals got weak, and then counted how many physical barriers there were in that distance.
Then, I simply repositioned my router in such a way that kept it closer to my main devices and clear from any barriers that could interfere with the Wi-Fi signal.
Try an Ethernet Cable
I know, you’re probably groaning at the idea of wires. But it’s a small price to pay considering the smooth browsing or streaming experiences you can enjoy. This is because an Ethernet cable can be more reliable and faster compared to Wi-Fi.
But there is a minor catch, an Ethernet cable limits where your devices can be, which obviously makes it a bit difficult to use compared to Wi-Fi.
The way around this is to split usage. For devices like PCs or gaming consoles, an Ethernet cable can do the trick, and you can keep your Wi-Fi solely for mobile devices. This split can also improve the speed and strength of Wi-Fi for your mobile devices, since the number of dependent devices drops.
Switch Wi-Fi Bands (2.4GHz vs 5GHz)
With most Wi-Fi connections, there are two bands that you can switch between: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
Let me break them down for you. 2.4GHz might help you more if you’re far from the router, since it has a higher range and can even pass through some barriers, such as walls.
5GHz, on the other hand, might work for you if you prefer constant signals and higher speeds. If your router gives the option, you can also split between these bands by dedicating 2.4GHz to some devices and 5GHz to others.
Update Your Router
Have you ever felt that an app or game works better after you update it? Well, the same applies to your Wi-Fi router. This is because when your internet provider releases updates, these can remove bugs and level up your Wi-Fi’s security and performance.
The best part is that you don’t have to do much here, other than just check in every now and then that your router has the latest updates, because these updates are automatically installed.
However, if nothing improves despite these updates, it might be time to change your router. Some decent options that work well with most internet service providers include:
- Asus RT-BE58U: Offers decent speeds, constant connectivity, and is compatible with Wi-Fi 7.
- Netgear Nighthawk RS300: Features the 6 GHz band, which naturally makes it a speed freak.
- Asus RT-AX86U Pro: A bit pricey, but offers Wi-Fi 6 compatibility, and good speed and range.
- Asus ROG Rapture GT-AX6000: Perfect if you’re into gaming.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
And we’re down to the last resort, my friend.
If all else fails, the issue might not be at your end. In that case, reaching out for help is your best option. Just pick up your phone, dial that customer service number, and share the issues you’re facing with your internet service provider.
It could be that the issue is within their infrastructure, outages, or due to something that you might have overlooked at your end, which they can help you identify.
They can inform you of steps you can take to resolve them or inform you when network issues might be resolved, putting your heart and mind at ease.
So, there you have it, folks!
I’ve shared some tips that can help you improve your internet speed and coverage and possibly prevent you from tearing your hair out like I almost did.
If the issue’s at your end, one of the first four tips should probably resolve it. If they don’t work, don’t hesitate to reach out to your provider.